Solid-state imaging apparatus, driving method therefor, and imaging system

ABSTRACT

A solid-state imaging apparatus comprises a pixel unit including G-pixels  110 -G, R-pixels  110 -R, and B-pixels  110 -B, an image signal output interval of the G-pixels  110  made shorter than image signal output intervals of the R-pixels and B-pixels. Regarding lights respectively having wavelength bands near a green color, near a red color, and near a blue color, the G-pixels  110 -G have higher sensitivity to the wavelength band near the green color than both to the wavelength band near the red color and wavelength band near the blue color, the R-pixels  110 -R have higher sensitivity to the wavelength band near the red color than both to the wavelength band near the green color and wavelength band near the blue color, and the B-pixels  110 -B have higher sensitivity to the wavelength band near the blue color than both to the wavelength band near the green color and wavelength band near the red color.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging apparatus anddriving method therefor as well as to an imaging system equipped withthe solid-state imaging apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Solid-state imaging apparatus adapted to acquire color images widely usea method which acquires color information using a single panel on whichcolor filters having spectral characteristics of transmitting lights inwavelength bands corresponding, for example, to green, red, and blue arearrayed on a pixel by pixel basis.

With the pixels (imaging elements) on which color filters are arrayed,since the color filters of different colors differ in transmittance, thesensitivity of the pixels (imaging elements) varies from color to color.Therefore, when the pixels are driven for a same charge accumulationperiod, the charge accumulation period may be optimal for the pixelsequipped with a certain color filter, but may not necessarily be optimalfor pixels equipped with another color filter.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-219830 discloses animaging apparatus in which pixels of different colors are driven fordifferent accumulation periods such that the accumulation periods willcoincide in center position with one another. The imaging apparatus ischaracterized in that accumulation start time and accumulation end timefor color pixels are varied among green, red, and blue colors so as tomake the accumulation periods coincide in center position. Consequently,image signal outputs of different colors are caused to coincide inmagnitude, thereby reducing color bleeding when a moving object isphotographed.

However, with the conventional technique, because intervals of imagesignal outputs are identical among different colors, if image signaloutput intervals are extended to increase outputs of blue and red pixelslower in sensitivity than green pixels, the image signal outputintervals are extended not only for the blue and red pixels, but alsofor the green pixels higher in sensitivity. This poses a problem in thata resolution deteriorates in a time direction, making blurringconspicuous on moving images.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problem and hasan object to provide a setup for keeping a resolution of color motionimaging at a high level in a time direction and thereby improvingquality of moving images.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, a driving method of asolid-state imaging apparatus comprises: a pixel unit having a firstpixel having a sensitivity such that the sensitivity of the first pixelin a first wavelength band is higher than the sensitivities of the firstpixel in second and third wavelength bands, a second pixel having asensitivity such that the sensitivity of the second pixel in the secondwavelength band is higher than the sensitivities of the second pixel infirst and third wavelength bands, and a third pixel having a sensitivitysuch that the sensitivity of the third pixel in the third wavelengthband is higher than the sensitivities of the third pixel in first andsecond wavelength bands, wherein each of the first, second and thirdpixels outputs an image signal based on light, in a image generated byimage signals output from the first, second, third pixels, acontribution of luminance of the first pixel is higher than acontribution to luminance of the second pixel and a contribution toluminance of the third pixel, and wherein an image signal outputinterval of the first pixel is shorter than image signal outputintervals of the second and third pixels.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a drivingmethod of a solid-state imaging apparatus comprises: a pixel unit havinga first pixel having a sensitivity such that the sensitivity of thefirst pixel in a first wavelength band is higher than the sensitivitiesof the first pixel in second and third wavelength bands, a second pixelhaving a sensitivity such that the sensitivity of the second pixel inthe second wavelength band is higher than the sensitivities of thesecond pixel in first and third wavelength bands, a third pixel having asensitivity such that the sensitivity of the third pixel in the thirdwavelength band is higher than the sensitivities of the third pixel infirst and second wavelength bands, and a fourth pixel having asensitivity to a light higher than sensitivities to the light of thefirst, second and the third pixels, and an image signal output intervalof the fourth pixel is shorter than image signal output intervals of thefirst, second and the third pixels.

According to an another aspect of the present invention, a solid-stateimaging apparatus comprises: a pixel unit having a first pixel having asensitivity such that the sensitivity of the first pixel in a firstwavelength band is higher than the sensitivities of the first pixel insecond and third wavelength bands, a second pixel having a sensitivitysuch that the sensitivity of the second pixel in the second wavelengthband is higher than the sensitivities of the second pixel in first andthird wavelength bands, and a third pixel having a sensitivity such thatthe sensitivity of the third pixel in the third wavelength band ishigher than the sensitivities of the third pixel in first and secondwavelength bands; and a control unit configured to control the pixelunit to output an image signal such that an image signal output intervalof the first pixel is shorter than image signal output intervals of thesecond and third pixels, wherein each of the first, second and thirdpixels outputs an image signal based on light, in a image generated byimage signals output from the first, second and third pixels, acontribution of luminance of the first pixel is higher than acontribution to luminance of the second pixel and a contribution toluminance of the third pixel.

According to a still another aspect of the present invention, thepresent invention comprises a solid-state imaging apparatus; and asignal processing unit configured to process an image signal output fromthe solid-state imaging apparatus.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary schematic configuration of apixel unit alone of a solid-state imaging apparatus according to a firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary circuit configuration of thesolid-state imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary image signal output sequence ofthe solid-state imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an exemplary timing chart of a first periodP1 for components of the solid-state imaging apparatus according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an exemplary timing chart of a secondperiod P2 for components of the solid-state imaging apparatus accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are diagrams showing an example of image signals ofpixels in six rows beginning with the 4k-th row in the first period P1and second period P2 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an exemplary image signal output sequence ofa solid-state imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are diagrams showing an example of image signals ofpixels in six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in a first period P1 toa third period P3 in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an exemplary image signal output sequence ofa solid-state imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an exemplary timing chart of a first periodP1 for components of the solid-state imaging apparatus according to thethird embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an exemplary schematic configuration of apixel unit alone of a solid-state imaging apparatus according to afourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an exemplary image signal output sequenceof a solid-state imaging apparatus according to a fourth embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C are diagrams showing an example of image signalsof pixels in six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in a first period P1to a third period P3 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an exemplary image signal output sequenceof a solid-state imaging apparatus according to a fifth embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are diagrams showing an example of image signalsof pixels in six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in a first period P1and second period P2 in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an exemplary schematic configuration of animaging system according to a sixth embodiment of the present inventionincluding the solid-state imaging apparatus according to any of theembodiments described above.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Preferred Embodiments of the Present Invention will now be described indetail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

Embodiment of the present invention will be described below withreference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

To begin with, a first embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary schematic configuration of apixel unit alone of a solid-state imaging apparatus according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention. Note that although pixels 110disposed so as to make up a 4-row by 4-column matrix are shown in FIG. 1for simplicity's sake, actually a larger number of pixels 110 aredisposed, making up larger numbers of rows and columns.

A pixel unit shown in FIG. 1 includes at least a G-pixel group (firstpixel group) made up of plural G-pixels 110-G (first pixels), an R-pixelgroup (second pixel group) made up of plural R-pixels 110-R (secondpixels), and a B-pixel group (third pixel group) made up of pluralB-pixels 110-B (third pixels), where with respect to light having awavelength band (first wavelength band) near a green color, a wavelengthband (second wavelength band) near a red color, and a wavelength band(third wavelength band) near a blue color, the G-pixels 110-G are higherin sensitivity to the wavelength band near the green color than both tothe wavelength band near the red color and wavelength band near the bluecolor, the R-pixels 110-R are higher in sensitivity to the wavelengthband near the red color than both to the wavelength band near the greencolor and wavelength band near the blue color, and the B-pixels 110-Bare higher in sensitivity to the wavelength band near the blue colorthan both to the wavelength band near the green color and wavelengthband near the red color. In FIG. 1, the G-pixels 110-G, R-pixels 110-Rand B-pixels 110-B are denoted by “G,” “R” and “B,” respectively.According to the present embodiment, a set of G-pixels 110-G, an R-pixel110-R and a B-pixel 110-B are disposed so as to make up a 2-row by2-column matrix, and the 2-row by 2-column matrices are disposedrepeatedly. Driving of the G-pixels 110-G is controlled via a controlline TXG, driving of the R-pixels 110-R is controlled via a control lineTXR, and driving of the B-pixels 110-B is controlled via a control lineTXB. Also, image signals from the pixels 110 are output via signal lines(column signal lines) 131.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary circuit configuration of thesolid-state imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention. In FIG. 2, components similar to those in FIG. 1are denoted by the same reference numerals as the correspondingcomponents in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the solid-state imaging apparatus 100 includes apixel unit in which plural pixels 110 are disposed in a matrix, avertical selecting circuit 120 and an output unit 130. Also, the outputunit 130 includes signal lines (column signal lines) 131, a columncircuit 132, a horizontal scanning circuit 133 and an output amplifier134. Note that, of the plural pixels 110 making up the pixel unit shownin FIG. 1, only 2 rows by 2 columns of pixels 110 located on the upperleft are illustrated in the pixel unit of FIG. 2.

According to the present embodiment, pixels 110 are driven by drivesignals output by the vertical selecting circuit 120, and image signals(pixel signals) of the respective pixels 110 are read to the signallines 131. That is, in the present embodiment, the vertical selectingcircuit 120 is a control unit which controls driving of each pixel 110.

Each pixel 110 (R-pixel 110-R, G-pixel 110-G, B-pixel 110-B) includes aphotoelectric conversion portion 111, a transfer transistor 112, anamplifier transistor 113 and a floating diffusion unit (FD unit) 116.Besides, each pixel 110 (R-pixel 110-R, G-pixel 110-G, B-pixel 110-B)may further include a reset transistor 114 and a selection transistor115.

The photoelectric conversion portion 111 includes, for example, aphotodiode, photoelectrically converts incident light, and accumulates aresulting charge. Note that the charge generated by the photoelectricconversion portion 111 may be held by a charge holding unit disposedbetween the photoelectric conversion portion 111 and FD unit 116.

The transfer transistor 112 transfers the charge accumulated in thephotoelectric conversion portion 111 to the FD unit 116. Electricpotential of the FD unit 116 changes with an amount of chargetransferred to the FD unit 116.

The amplifier transistor 113 makes up a source follower (SF) circuit,amplifies a signal of the FD unit 116, and outputs the amplified signalas an image signal (pixel signal) to the signal line 131.

The reset transistor 114 resets the electric potential of the FD unit116 to a reset voltage supplied via a power line.

The selection transistor 115 is provided to set the pixel 110 to whichthe selection transistor 115 belongs to a selected state or non-selectedstate.

The vertical selecting circuit 120 selects pixels 110 on a row by rowbasis and causes the selected pixels 110 to output image signals (pixelsignals). The vertical selecting circuit 120 is electrically connectedto the pixels 110 via the control lines TXR, TXG, TXB, RES and SEL.

The control line TXR is intended for the transfer transistors 112 of theR-pixels 110-R, and the control line TXG is intended for the transfertransistors 112 of the G-pixels 110-G, and the control line TXB isintended for the transfer transistors 112 of the B-pixels 110-B. In theexample shown in FIG. 2, the control line TXG is provided for every rowof pixels 110 while the control lines TXR and TXB are provided for everysecond row of pixels 110.

Also, in the example shown in FIG. 2, a G-pixel 110-G and R-pixel 110-Rbelong to a same row and a G-pixel 110-G and B-pixel 110-B belong to asame row. Therefore, using the separate control lines TXG, TXR, TXB forthe G-pixels 110-G, R-pixels 110-R and B-pixels 110-B, the verticalselecting circuit 120 controls the charge accumulation periods andcharge transfer processing of the pixels 110 belonging to the same rowand differing in color independently among the different-colored pixels110. Also, the control line RES is intended for the reset transistors114 and the control line SEL is intended for the selection transistors115, and the control lines RES and SEL are provided in every row ofpixels 110.

The column circuit 132 reads and holds image signals output to eachsignal line 131. The column circuit 132 may contain a circuit adapted totake differences between the image signals output to the signal lines131 and noise signals and cancel out the noise, a circuit adapted toamplify signals, and a circuit adapted to hold the amplified signals.

The horizontal scanning circuit 133 scans the column circuit 132 fromone column of pixels 110 to another. As a result of the scanning processperformed by the horizontal scanning circuit 133, the image signals heldin the column circuit 132 are output to the output amplifier 134.

The output amplifier 134 amplifies the plural image signals (pixelsignals) and outputs the amplified image signals from the solid-stateimaging apparatus 100 in sequence.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary image signal output sequence ofthe solid-state imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodimentof the present invention. In FIG. 3, the slant lines indicate read starttimes of rows of pixels 110, and higher-numbered rows are read as theslant lines go downward.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, in a first period P1, the output unit130 outputs the image signals of all the G-pixels 110-G on a row by rowbasis in sequence (output image signal G(all) in FIG. 3). Regardingimage signals of R-pixels 110-R, the output unit 130 outputs everyfourth row beginning with the first row in which R-pixels 110-R exist(output image signal R(4k) in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 1, sinceR-pixels 110-R exist as a pixel array only every second row, if only theR-pixels 110-R are noted, the output unit 130 outputs the image signalsof R-pixels 110-R at a rate of one in every two rows. Regarding imagesignals of B-pixels 110-B, the output unit 130 outputs every fourth rowbeginning with the row next to the first row in which B-pixels 110-Bexist (output image signal B(4k+1) in FIG. 3). Consequently, as with theR-pixels 110-R, the output unit 130 outputs the image signals ofB-pixels 110-B at a rate of one in every two rows.

Also, in the example shown in FIG. 3, in a second period P2 differentfrom the first period P1, the output unit 130 outputs the image signalsof all the G-pixels 110-G on a row by row basis in sequence (outputimage signal G(all) in FIG. 3). Regarding the image signals of R-pixels110-R, the output unit 130 outputs every fourth row beginning with thesecond row after the first row in which R-pixels 110-R exist (outputimage signal R(4k+2) in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 1, since R-pixels110-R exist as a pixel array only every second row, if only the R-pixels110-R are noted, the output unit 130 outputs the image signals of theR-pixels 110-R not output in the first period P1, at a rate of one inevery two rows. Regarding the image signals of B-pixels 110-B, theoutput unit 130 outputs every fourth row beginning with the third rowafter the first row in which B-pixels 110-B exist (output image signalB(4k+3) in FIG. 3). Consequently, as with the R-pixels 110-R, the outputunit 130 outputs the image signals of the R-pixels 110-R not output inthe first period P1, at a rate of one in every two rows.

Subsequently, an image signal output process of a third period P3 is thesame as the image signal output process of the first period P1 while animage signal output process of a fourth period P4 is the same as theimage signal output process of the second period P2. In this way, byrepeating the image signal output process of the first period P1 andimage signal output process of the second period P2, the output unit 130outputs the image signals in such a way that the image signal outputinterval of the G-pixel group will be shorter than the image signaloutput intervals of the R-pixel group and B-pixel group.

That is, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the output unit 130 performsthe image signal output process described below.

Contribution of light in a image generated by image signals output fromthe pixels, in a wavelength band near a green color to luminance beinghigher than those of light in a wavelength band near a red color andlight in a wavelength band near a blue color, the output unit 130outputs the image signals in such a way that the image signal outputinterval of the G-pixel group at which the light in the wavelength bandnear the green color is detected will be shorter than the image signaloutput interval of the R-pixel group at which the light in thewavelength band near the red color is detected and the image signaloutput interval of the B-pixel group at which the light in thewavelength band near the blue color is detected.

Also, in the first period P1, the output unit 130 outputs the imagesignals of the G-pixel group as well as the image signals of part of theR-pixel group and B-pixel group. Also, in the second period P2 differentfrom the first period P1, the output unit 130 outputs the image signalsof the G-pixel group as well as that part of the image signals of theR-pixel group and B-pixel group which is not output in the first periodP1. In so doing, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the output unit 130outputs the image signals of the R-pixel group and B-pixel group at arate of one in every two rows.

Next, timing charts of the solid-state imaging apparatus 100 in thefirst period P1 and second period P2 shown in FIG. 3 will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively.

First, the timing chart of the solid-state imaging apparatus 100 in thefirst period P1 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.4A.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an exemplary timing chart of a first periodP1 for components of the solid-state imaging apparatus 100 according tothe first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4Ashows an exemplary timing chart of signal processing for pixels 110 inthe 4k-th row to (4k+3)-th row in the first period P1.

First, signal processing for the pixels 110 in the 4k-th row will bedescribed.

First, the vertical selecting circuit 120 sets the control line RES (4k)for the 4k-th row to Hi. Consequently, the reset transistors 114 for the4k-th row turn on, thereby resetting the FD units 116 of the R-pixels110-R and G-pixels 110-G in the 4k-th row. Next, the vertical selectingcircuit 120 sets the control line RES (4k) to Low, thereby turning offthe reset transistors 114. Next, the vertical selecting circuit 120 setsthe control line SEL (4k) to Hi. This turns on the selection transistors115 for the R-pixels 110-R and G-pixels 110-G in the 4k-th row, therebyselecting the R-pixels 110-R and G-pixels 110-G in the 4k-th row. Next,for example, the vertical selecting circuit 120 sets a signal line Ncfor controlling the column circuit 132 to Hi. Consequently, resetvoltages N corresponding to reset levels of the respective FD units 116of the R-pixels 110-R and G-pixels 110-G in the 4k-th row are held in areset voltage holding unit of the column circuit 132. Next, the verticalselecting circuit 120 sets the control line TXR (4k) and control lineTXG (4k) to Hi, thereby causing charges of the R-pixels 110-R andG-pixels 110-G in the 4k-th row to be transferred to the FD units 116.Next, for example, the vertical selecting circuit 120 sets the controlline Sc for controlling the column circuit 132 to Hi. Consequently,image signal voltages S corresponding to amounts of the chargestransferred to the respective FD units 116 of the R-pixels 110-R andG-pixels 110-G in the 4k-th row are held in a signal holding unit of thecolumn circuit 132. The time at which this takes place will bedesignated as an image signal output time. Next, PHST is set to Hi,causing the horizontal scanning circuit 133 to start scanning. Then,each time PH is set to Hi, plural columns of pixels 110 in the 4k-th roware selected in sequence, thereby outputting the pixel signals of thepixels 110 (R-pixels 110-R and G-pixels 110-G) in the 4k-th row insequence via the output amplifier 134. In so doing, the output amplifier134 may output signals obtained by amplifying differences (S−N) betweenthe image signals S and reset signal N or the column circuit 132 maysupply the differences (S−N) between the image signals S and resetsignal N to the output amplifier 134.

Subsequent signal processing for the pixels 110 in the (4k+1)-th row issimilar to the processing for the 4k-th row except that the pixel arrayis changed from the R-pixels 110-R and G-pixels 110-G in the 4k-th rowto G-pixels 110-G and B-pixels 110-B and that the control line TXR ischanged to the control line TXB.

Next, signal processing for the pixels 110 in the (4k+2)-th row will bedescribed.

First, the vertical selecting circuit 120 sets the control line RES(4k+2) for the (4k+2)-th row to Hi. Consequently, the reset transistors114 for the (4k+2)-th row turn on, thereby resetting the FD units 116 ofthe R-pixels 110-R and G-pixels 110-G in the (4k+2)-th row. Next, thevertical selecting circuit 120 sets the control line RES (4k+2) to Low,thereby turning off the reset transistors 114. Next, the verticalselecting circuit 120 sets the control line SEL (4k+2) to Hi.Consequently, the selection transistors 115 for the R-pixels 110-R andG-pixels 110-G in the (4k+2)-th row turn on, thereby selecting theR-pixels 110-R and G-pixels 110-G in the (4k+2)-th row. Next, forexample, the vertical selecting circuit 120 sets a signal line Nc forcontrolling the column circuit 132 to Hi. Consequently, reset voltages Ncorresponding to reset levels of the respective FD units 116 of theR-pixels 110-R and G-pixels 110-G in the (4k+2)-th row are held in thereset voltage holding unit of the column circuit 132. Next, the verticalselecting circuit 120 sets the control line TXR (4k+2) to Hi, therebycausing the charges of the G-pixels 110-G in the (4k+2)-th row to betransferred to the FD units 116. In so doing, the control line TXR(4k+2) remains Low, and thus the charges of the R-pixels 110-R in the(4k+2)-th row are not transferred to the FD units 116. That is, theR-pixels 110-R continue to accumulate charges. Next, for example, thevertical selecting circuit 120 sets the control line Sc for controllingthe column circuit 132 to Hi. Consequently, image signal voltages Scorresponding to the amounts of charges transferred to the FD units 116of the G-pixels 110-G are held in the signal holding unit of the columncircuit 132. At this time, a reset signal N (hereinafter referred to asa “dummy signal”) corresponding to the reset level of the FD units 116of the R-pixels 110-R is held in the signal holding unit of the columncircuit 132. Next, PHST is set to Hi, causing the horizontal scanningcircuit 133 to start scanning. Then, each time PH is set to Hi, pluralcolumns of pixels 110 in the (4k+2)-th row are selected in sequence,thereby outputting the image signals of the G-pixels 110-G and dummysignals of the R-pixels 110-R in the (4k+2)-th row in sequence via theoutput amplifier 134. In so doing, the horizontal scanning circuit 133may carry out scanning by skipping the dummy signals of the R-pixels110-R and thereby output only the image signals of the G-pixels 110-Gvia the output amplifier 134. This will allow image signal read speed tobe increased.

Subsequent signal processing for the pixels 110 in the (4k+3)-th row issimilar to the processing for the (4k+2)-th row except that the pixelarray is changed from the R-pixels 110-R and G-pixels 110-G in the(4k+2)-th row to G-pixels 110-G and B-pixels 110-B and that the controlline TXR is changed to the control line TXB.

Subsequent signal processing involves repetitions of actions in the4k-th row to the (4k+3)-th row described above.

Next, the timing chart of the solid-state imaging apparatus 100 in thesecond period P2 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference toFIG. 4B.

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an exemplary timing chart of the secondperiod P2 for components of the solid-state imaging apparatus 100according to the first embodiment of the present invention.Specifically, FIG. 4B shows an exemplary timing chart of signalprocessing for the pixels 110 in the 4k-th row to (4k+3)-th row in thesecond period P2.

Signal processing for the pixels 110 in the 4k-th row in the secondperiod P2 is the same as the signal processing for the pixels 110 in the(4k+2)-th row in the first period P1 described above. Therefore, thepixel signals of the G-pixels 110-G and the dummy signals of theR-pixels 110-R in the 4k-th row are held in the signal holding unit ofthe column circuit 132 and output via the output amplifier 134 as aresult of scanning by the horizontal scanning circuit 133. The imagesignal output time of the G-pixels 110-G is the time at which thecontrol line Sc becomes Hi. The image signal output time is irrelevantto the R-pixels 110-R, for which the dummy signals are used.

Signal processing for the pixels 110 in the (4k+1)-th row in the secondperiod P2 is the same as the signal processing for the pixels 110 in the(4k+3)-th row in the first period P1 described above. Therefore, theimage signals of the G-pixels 110-G and the dummy signals of theB-pixels 110-B in the (4k+1)-th row are held in the signal holding unitof the column circuit 132 and output via the output amplifier 134 as aresult of scanning by the horizontal scanning circuit 133.

Signal processing for the pixels 110 in the (4k+2)-th row in the secondperiod P2 is the same as the signal processing for the pixels 110 in the4k-th row in the first period P1 described above. Therefore, the imagesignals of the G-pixels 110-G and the image signals of the R-pixels110-R in the (4k+2)-th row are held in the signal holding unit of thecolumn circuit 132 and output via the output amplifier 134 as a resultof scanning by the horizontal scanning circuit 133.

Signal processing for the pixels 110 in the (4k+3)-th row in the secondperiod P2 is the same as the signal processing for the pixels 110 in the(4k+1)-th row in the first period P1 described above. Therefore, theimage signals of the G-pixels 110-G and the image signals of B-pixels110-B in the (4k+3)-th row are held in the signal holding unit of thecolumn circuit 132 and output via the output amplifier 134 as a resultof scanning by the horizontal scanning circuit 133.

Subsequent signal processing involves repetitions of actions in the4k-th row to the (4k+3)-th row described above.

From FIGS. 4A and 4B, the image signal output interval of the G-pixels110-G corresponds to the interval between the image signal output timein the first period P1 and image signal output time in the second periodP2. On the other hand, the image signal output intervals of the R-pixels110-R (4k) and B-pixels 110-B (4k+1) correspond to the interval betweenthe image signal output time in the first period P1 and image signaloutput time in the third period P3. Also, the image signal outputintervals of the R-pixels 110-R (4k+2) and B-pixels 110-B (4k+3)correspond to the interval between the image signal output time in thesecond period P2 and the image signal output time in the fourth periodP4.

Therefore, the image signal output interval of the G-pixel group is ½the image signal output interval of the R-pixel group and B-pixel group.According to the present embodiment, since the charge accumulationperiod of each pixel 110 is equal to the image signal output interval,the charge accumulation periods of the R-pixel group and B-pixel groupare twice the charge accumulation period of the G-pixel group, improvingthe SN ratio and sensitivity of the R-pixel group and B-pixel groupaccordingly at the time of image signal output. In other words,according to the present embodiment, under the control of the verticalselecting circuit 120, the charge accumulation period of the G-pixelgroup is made shorter than the charge accumulation periods of theR-pixel group and B-pixel group. In this way, the vertical selectingcircuit 120 controls the charge accumulation periods of the G-pixelgroup, R-pixel group and B-pixel group independently of one another.

FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams showing an example of image signals of thepixels 110 in six rows beginning with the 4k-th row in the first periodP1 and second period P2 in the first embodiment of the presentinvention. Specifically, FIGS. 5A and 5C show an example of imagesignals of the pixels 110 in the six rows beginning with the 4k-th rowin the first period P1 while FIG. 5B shows an example of image signalsof the pixels 110 in the six rows beginning with the 4k-th row in thesecond period P2.

In FIGS. 5A to 5C, of the R-pixels 110-R and B-pixels 110-B, thegray-shaded pixels are those which output dummy signals. In this way,according to the present embodiment, some of R-pixels 110-R and B-pixels110-B in a same period lack image signals. To deal with this, thelacking image signals may be interpolated using the image signals of theR-pixels 110-R and B-pixels 110-B of the preceding and succeeding rowsin the same period or the image signals of the R-pixels 110-R andB-pixels 110-B of the same row in the preceding period. Alternatively,interpolation may be performed using both the image signals of the samerow in the preceding period and the image signals of the preceding andsucceeding rows in the same period described above.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, contribution oflight in a image generated by image signals output from the pixels, in awavelength band near a green color to luminance being higher than thoseof light in a wavelength band near a red color and light in a wavelengthband near a blue color, the image signals are output in such a way thatthe image signal output intervals of the G-pixel group at which thelight in the wavelength band near the green color is detected will beshorter than the image signal output intervals of the R-pixel group atwhich the light in the wavelength band near the red color is detectedand the image signal output intervals of the B-pixel group at which thelight in the wavelength band near the blue color is detected.

With this configuration, while improving the SN ratio and sensitivity byincreasing the image signal output intervals of the R-pixel group andB-pixel group, a resolution of color motion imaging in a time directioncan be improved by reducing the image signal output interval of theG-pixel group which carries luminance information. That is, the firstembodiment can keep a resolution of color motion imaging at a high levelin the time direction and thereby improve quality of moving images.

Variation of First Embodiment

Note that the first embodiment has been described by citing an aspect ofthe solid-state imaging apparatus 100 containing, as a pixel unit, atleast an R-pixel group, G-pixel group and B-pixel group with R, G and Bcolor filters disposed thereon, respectively. However, the firstembodiment is not limited to this aspect. For example, the firstembodiment can also include an aspect in which the solid-state imagingapparatus 100 contains, as a pixel unit, at least a cyan pixel group,yellow pixel group, green pixel group and magenta pixel group with cyan(C), yellow (Y), green (G) and magenta (Mg) color filters disposedthereon, respectively. In this aspect, the output unit 130 producesoutputs, for example, by setting the image signal output intervals ofthe cyan pixel group, green pixel group and yellow pixel group shorterthan the image signal output interval of the magenta pixel group. Notethat this aspect is applicable to the present invention as long as theimage signal output interval of at least one of the cyan pixel group,green pixel group and yellow pixel group is shorter than the imagesignal output interval of the magenta pixel group.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

A schematic configuration of a pixel unit of a solid-state imagingapparatus according to the second embodiment is similar to the schematicconfiguration of the pixel unit of the solid-state imaging apparatusaccording to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Also, a circuitconfiguration of the solid-state imaging apparatus according to thesecond embodiment is similar to the circuit configuration of thesolid-state imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodimentshown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an exemplary image signal output sequence ofthe solid-state imaging apparatus 100 according to the second embodimentof the present invention. In FIG. 6, the slant lines indicate read starttimes of rows of pixels 110, and higher-numbered rows are read as theslant lines go downward.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, in a first period P1, the output unit130 outputs the image signals of all the G-pixels 110-G on a row by rowbasis in sequence (output image signal G(all) in FIG. 6). Regarding theimage signals of R-pixels 110-R, the output unit 130 outputs every sixthrow beginning with the first row in which R-pixels 110-R exist (outputimage signal R(6k) in FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 1, since R-pixels 110-Rexist as a pixel array only every second row, if only the R-pixels 110-Rare noted, the output unit 130 outputs the image signals of R-pixels110-R at a rate of one in every three rows. Regarding the image signalsof B-pixels 110-B, the output unit 130 outputs every sixth row beginningwith the row next to the first row in which B-pixels 110-B exist (outputimage signal B(6k+1) in FIG. 6). Consequently, as with the R-pixels110-R, the output unit 130 outputs the image signals of B-pixels 110-Bat a rate of one in every three rows.

Also, in the example shown in FIG. 6, in a second period P2 differentfrom the first period P1, regarding the image signals of G-pixels 110-G,the output unit 130 outputs the pixel signals of all the pixels on a rowby row basis in sequence (output image signal G(all) in FIG. 6) as inthe case of the first period P1. Regarding the image signals of R-pixels110-R, the output unit 130 outputs every sixth row beginning with thesecond row after the first row in which R-pixels 110-R exist (outputimage signal R(6k+2) in FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 1, since R-pixels110-R exist as a pixel array only every second row, if only the R-pixels110-R are noted, the output unit 130 outputs the image signals ofR-pixels 110-R at a rate of one in every three rows. Regarding the imagesignals of B-pixels 110-B, the output unit 130 outputs every sixth rowbeginning with the third row after the first row in which B-pixels 110-Bexist (output image signal B(6k+3) in FIG. 6). Consequently, as with theR-pixels 110-R, the output unit 130 outputs the image signals ofB-pixels 110-B at a rate of one in every three rows.

Also, in the example shown in FIG. 6, in a third period P3 differentfrom the first period P1 and second period P2, regarding the imagesignals of G-pixels 110-G, the output unit 130 outputs the pixel signalsof all the pixels on a row by row basis in sequence (output image signalG(all) in FIG. 6) as in the case of the first period P1. Regarding theimage signals of R-pixels 110-R, the output unit 130 outputs every sixthrow beginning with the fourth row after the first row in which R-pixels110-R exist (output image signal R(6k+4) in FIG. 6). As described above,since R-pixels 110-R exist as a pixel array only every second row, ifonly the R-pixels 110-R are noted, the output unit 130 outputs the imagesignals of R-pixels 110-R at a rate of one in every three rows.Regarding the image signals of B-pixels 110-B, the output unit 130outputs every sixth row beginning with the fifth row after the first rowin which B-pixels 110-B exist (output image signal B(6k+5) in FIG. 6).Consequently, as with the R-pixels 110-R, the output unit 130 outputsthe image signals of B-pixels 110-B at a rate of one in every threerows.

Subsequently, the same image signal output process as in the firstperiod P1 described above is performed in the fourth period P4 shown inFIG. 6, the same image signal output process as in the second period P2is performed in the fifth period P5, and the same image signal outputprocess as in the third period P3 is performed in the sixth P6 period.In this way, by repeating the image signal output processes of the firstperiod P1 to the third period P3, the output unit 130 outputs the imagesignals in such a way that the image signal output interval of theG-pixel group will be shorter than the image signal output intervals ofthe R-pixel group and B-pixel group. In so doing, in the example shownin FIG. 6, the output unit 130 outputs the image signals of the R-pixelgroup and B-pixel group at a rate of one in every three rows. In otherwords, the image signal output intervals of the R-pixel group andB-pixel group are set at three times the image signal output interval ofthe G-pixel group.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are diagrams showing an example of image signals ofpixels 110 in six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in a first period P1to a third period P3 in the second embodiment of the present invention.Specifically, FIG. 7A shows an example of the image signals of thepixels 110 in the six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in the firstperiod P1, FIG. 7B shows an example of the image signals of the pixels110 in the six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in the second periodP2, and FIG. 7C shows an example of the image signals of the pixels 110in the six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in the third period P3.

In FIGS. 7A to 7C, as with FIGS. 5A to 5C, of the R-pixels 110-R andB-pixels 110-B, the gray-shaded pixels are those which output dummysignals. In this way, according to the present embodiment, some ofR-pixels 110-R and B-pixels 110-B in a same period lack image signals.To deal with this, the lacking image signals may be interpolated usingthe image signals of the R-pixels 110-R and B-pixels 110-B of thepreceding and succeeding rows in the same period or the image signals ofthe R-pixels 110-R and B-pixels 110-B of the same row in the precedingperiod. Alternatively, interpolation may be performed using both theimage signals of the same row in the preceding period and the imagesignals of the preceding and succeeding rows in the same perioddescribed above.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the imagesignals are output in such a way that the image signal output intervalof the G-pixel group will be shorter than the image signal outputintervals of the R-pixel group and B-pixel group. Specifically, theimage signal output interval of the G-pixel group is set to be ⅓ theimage signal output intervals of the R-pixel group and B-pixel group. Inother words, the image signal output intervals of the R-pixel group andB-pixel group are set to be three times the image signal output intervalof the G-pixel group.

With this configuration, even when R-pixel and B-pixel output is no morethan half the G-pixel output, as the image signal output intervals ofthe R-pixels and B-pixels are set to be three times the image signaloutput interval of the G-pixels, the image signal output of the R-pixelsand B-pixels can be improved and caused to coincide in magnitude withthe G-pixels. Also, by reducing the image signal output interval of theG-pixel group, the resolution of color motion imaging in the timedirection can be improved. That is, the second embodiment can keep theresolution of color motion imaging at a high level in the time directionand thereby improve the quality of moving images.

Generalization of First Embodiment and Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment described above, “the image signal of theR-pixel group and B-pixel group are output at a rate of one in every tworows.” Also, in the second embodiment described above, “the imagesignals of the R-pixel group and B-pixel group are output at a rate ofone in every three rows.” In the present invention, this can be appliedin a generalized form as follows. That is, according to the presentinvention, “the image signals of the R-pixel group and B-pixel group areoutput at a rate of m in every n rows where m and n are positiveintegers such that m/n<1.”

With this configuration, as the image signal output intervals of theR-pixel group and B-pixel group are set to be n/m or more of the imagesignal output interval of the G-pixel group (where n/m>1), the imagesignal output of the R-pixel group and B-pixel group can be improved,and caused to coincide in magnitude with the G-pixel group. Also, byreducing the image signal output interval of the G-pixel group, theresolution of color motion imaging in the time direction can beimproved. That is, it is obvious that the configuration in which imagesignals are output so as to satisfy these conditions can achieve theoperation and effects of keeping the resolution of color motion imagingat a high level in the time direction and thereby improving the qualityof moving images.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

A schematic configuration of a pixel unit of a solid-state imagingapparatus according to the third embodiment is similar to the schematicconfiguration of the pixel unit of the solid-state imaging apparatusaccording to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Also, a circuitconfiguration of the solid-state imaging apparatus according to thethird embodiment is similar to the circuit configuration of thesolid-state imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodimentshown in FIG. 2. A difference from the first embodiment lies in that indriving the vertical selecting circuit 120, the act of resetting thecharge in the photoelectric conversion portion 111 is performed when agiven row is not selected (when the control line SEL is Low and thepixels 110 belonging to the row are not connected to the signal line131). In the following description of the third embodiments, pointsdifferent from the first embodiment will be addressed, and matters whichconcern the third embodiment but are not mentioned below correspond toequivalent matters concerning the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an exemplary image signal output sequence ofthe solid-state imaging apparatus 100 according to the third embodimentof the present invention. In FIG. 8, timings of the image signal outputsin the first period P1 and second period P2 are the same as the firstembodiment.

Reset scanning of the photoelectric conversion portions 111 in the firstperiod P1 will be described first.

Regarding the R-pixels 110-R, at a certain stage in the first period P1,the vertical selecting circuit 120 resets the photoelectric conversionportions 111 every four rows beginning with the first row in whichR-pixels 110-R exist (reset photoelectric conversion portion R(4k) inFIG. 8). Regarding the B-pixels 110-B, the vertical selecting circuit120 resets the photoelectric conversion portions 111 independently ofthe R-pixels 110-R. Specifically, regarding the B-pixels 110-B, at acertain stage in the first period P1, the vertical selecting circuit 120resets the photoelectric conversion portions 111 every four rowsbeginning with the row next to the first row in which B-pixels 110-Bexist (reset photoelectric conversion portion B(4k+1) in FIG. 8).

Reset scanning of the photoelectric conversion portions 111 in thesecond period P2 will be described next.

Regarding the R-pixels 110-R, at a certain stage in the second periodP2, the vertical selecting circuit 120 resets the photoelectricconversion portions 111 every four rows beginning with the second rowafter the first row in which R-pixels 110-R exist (reset photoelectricconversion portion R(4k+2) in FIG. 8). Regarding the B-pixels 110-B, thevertical selecting circuit 120 resets the photoelectric conversionportions 111 independently of the R-pixels 110-R. Specifically,regarding the B-pixels 110-B, at a certain stage in the second periodP2, the vertical selecting circuit 120 resets the photoelectricconversion portions 111 every four rows beginning with the third rowafter the first row in which B-pixels 110-B exist (reset photoelectricconversion portion B(4k+3) in FIG. 8).

Subsequently, by repeating the first period P1 and second period P2, theimage signal output interval of the G-pixel group can be set shorterthan the image signal output intervals of the R-pixel group and B-pixelgroup, and the charge accumulation periods of the R-pixel group andB-pixel group can be controlled independently of each other. Althoughnot illustrated in FIG. 8, reset scanning of G-pixels 110-G may also beperformed by the photoelectric conversion portions 111. In that case,both in the first period P1 and second period P2, all the rows ofG-pixels 110-G are scanned at a certain stage beginning with the firstrow.

Next, a timing chart of the solid-state imaging apparatus 100 in thefirst period P1 shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.9.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an exemplary timing chart of the firstperiod P1 for components of the solid-state imaging apparatus 100according to the third embodiment of the present invention.Specifically, FIG. 9 shows an exemplary timing chart of signalprocessing for pixels 110 in the 4k-th row to (4k+3)-th row in the firstperiod P1.

Resetting of the photoelectric conversion portions 111 will be describedby taking the R-pixels 110-R and G-pixels 110-G in the 4k-th row as anexample.

At a stage indicated by HSCAN (4k), the charges are transferred from thephotoelectric conversion portions 111 of the R-pixels 110-R and G-pixels110-G in the 4k-th row to the FD units 116, and an image signal voltageS corresponding to the amounts of transferred charges is held by thesignal holding unit of the column circuit 132. Next, PHST is set to Hi,causing the horizontal scanning circuit 133 to start scanning. Then,each time PH is set to Hi, plural columns of pixels 110 in the 4k-th roware selected in sequence, thereby outputting the image signals of thepixels 110 (R-pixels 110-R and G-pixels 110-G) in the 4k-th row insequence via the output amplifier 134. After the last column of thepixel unit is scanned, the horizontal scanning circuit 133 moves to astage indicated by HSCAN (4k+1).

At a stage indicated by HSCAN (4k+1), the vertical selecting circuit 120sets the control line RES (4k) of the 4k-th row to Hi. Consequently,electric potential of the FD units 116 is reset to power supplypotential. Next, as the control line TXR (4k) is set to Hi, the transfertransistors 112 of only the R-pixels 110-R in the 4k-th row turn on.Consequently, after the charges are transferred from the photoelectricconversion portions 111 of the R-pixels 110-R to the FD units 116, sincethe reset transistors 114 are on, the charges are reset without beingheld in the FD units 116. Since the control line TXG (4k) remains Low,the charges of the G-pixels 110-G remain to be reset.

Similarly, the B-pixels 110-B in the (4k+1)-th row reset thephotoelectric conversion portions 111 independently. When the row is notselected, the control line RES (4k+1) is fixed at Hi. If the controlline TXB (4k+1) is set to Hi in this state, the photoelectric conversionportions 111 of only the B-pixels 110-B can be reset.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the image signaloutput interval of the G-pixel group is set shorter than the imagesignal output intervals of the R-pixel group and B-pixel group and thecharge accumulation periods of the R-pixel group and B-pixel group areadjusted independently.

This configuration allows the image signal output of the G-pixel group,R-pixel group and B-pixel group to be adjusted more finely whileimproving the resolution of color motion imaging in the time direction.That is, the third embodiment can keep the resolution of color motionimaging at a high level in the time direction and thereby improve thequality of moving images.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an exemplary schematic configuration of apixel unit alone of a solid-state imaging apparatus according to thefourth embodiment of the present invention. Note that although pixels110 disposed so as to make up a 4-row by 4-column matrix are shown inFIG. 10 for simplicity's sake, actually a larger number of pixels 110are disposed, making up larger numbers of rows and columns.

The pixel unit shown in FIG. 10 includes at least plural W-pixels 110-W(fourth pixel group) adapted to detect light in an entire visiblewavelength band in addition to G-pixels 110-G (first pixel group),R-pixels 110-R (second pixel group) and B-pixels 110-B (third pixelgroup) shown in FIG. 1. Typically, the W-pixels 110-W have the highestsensitivity, followed by the G-pixels 110-G, and then the R-pixels 110-Ror B-pixels 110-B. In FIG. 10, the G-pixels 110-G, R-pixels 110-R,B-pixels 110-B and W-pixels 110-W are denoted by “G,” “R,” “B,” and “W,”respectively. According to the present embodiment, a set of a G-pixel110-G, R-pixel 110-R, B-pixel 110-B and W-pixel 110-W are disposed so asto make up a 2-row by 2-column matrix, and the 2-row by 2-columnmatrices are disposed repeatedly. Also, the transfer transistors 112 ofthe pixels 110 of different colors are configured to be controllableindependently via respective control lines TXG, TXR, TXB and TXW.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an exemplary image signal output sequenceof the solid-state imaging apparatus 100 according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the slant linesindicate read start times of rows of pixels 110, and higher-numberedrows are read as the slant lines go downward.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, in a first period P1, the output unit130 outputs the pixel signals of all the W-pixels 110-W in sequence fromevery row in which W-pixels 110-W exist (output image signal W(all) inFIG. 11). Regarding the G-pixels 110-G, the output unit 130 outputsevery fourth row beginning with the first row in which G-pixels 110-Gexist (output image signal G(4n) in FIG. 11). That is, as shown in FIG.10, since G-pixels 110-G exist as a pixel array only every second row,if only the G-pixels 110-G are noted, the output unit 130 outputs theimage signals of G-pixels 110-G at a rate equivalent to one in every tworows. Regarding the R-pixels 110-R, the output unit 130 outputs everysixth row beginning with the first row in which R-pixels 110-R exist(output image signal R(6k) in FIG. 11). That is, as shown in FIG. 10,since R-pixels 110-R exist as a pixel array only every second row, ifonly the R-pixels 110-R are noted, the output unit 130 outputs the imagesignals of R-pixels 110-R at a rate equivalent to one in every threerows. Regarding the B-pixels 110-B, the output unit 130 outputs everysixth row beginning with the row next to the first row in which B-pixels110-B exist (output image signal B(6k+1) in FIG. 11). That is, as shownin FIG. 10, since B-pixels 110-B exist as a pixel array only everysecond row, if only the B-pixels 110-B are noted, the output unit 130outputs the image signals of B-pixels 110-B at a rate equivalent to onein every three rows.

Also, in the example shown in FIG. 11, in a second period P2 differentfrom the first period P1, the output unit 130 outputs the pixel signalsof all the W-pixels 110-W in sequence from every row in which W-pixels110-W exist (output image signal W(all) in FIG. 11). Regarding theG-pixels 110-G, the output unit 130 outputs every fourth row beginningwith the second row after the first row in which G-pixels 110-G exist(output image signal G(4n+2) in FIG. 11). That is, as shown in FIG. 10,since G-pixels 110-G exist as a pixel array only every second row, ifonly the G-pixels 110-G are noted, the output unit 130 outputs the imagesignals of the G-pixels 110-G not output in the first period P1, at arate equivalent to one in every two rows. Regarding the R-pixels 110-R,the output unit 130 outputs every sixth row beginning with the secondrow after the first row in which R-pixels 110-R exist (output imagesignal R(6k+2) in FIG. 11). That is, as shown in FIG. 10, since R-pixels110-R exist as a pixel array only every second row, if only the R-pixels110-R are noted, the output unit 130 outputs the image signals of theR-pixels 110-R not output in the first period P1, at a rate equivalentto one in every three rows. Regarding the B-pixels 110-B, the outputunit 130 outputs every sixth row beginning with the third row after thefirst row in which B-pixels 110-B exist (output image signal B(6k+3) inFIG. 11). That is, as shown in FIG. 10, since B-pixels 110-B exist as apixel array only every second row, if only the B-pixels 110-B are noted,the output unit 130 outputs the image signals of the B-pixels 110-B notoutput in the first period P1, at a rate equivalent to one in everythree rows.

Also, in the example shown in FIG. 11, in a third period P3 differentfrom the first period P1 and second period P2, the output unit 130outputs the pixel signals of all the W-pixels 110-W in sequence fromevery row in which W-pixels 110-W exist (output image signal W(all) inFIG. 11). Regarding the G-pixels 110-G, the output unit 130 outputsevery fourth row beginning with the first row in which G-pixels 110-Gexist (output image signal G(4n) in FIG. 11). That is, if only theG-pixels 110-G are noted, the output unit 130 outputs the image signalsof the same G-pixels 110-G as output in the first period P1, at a rateequivalent to one in every two rows. Regarding the R-pixels 110-R, theoutput unit 130 outputs every sixth row beginning with the fourth rowafter the first row in which R-pixels 110-R exist (output image signalR(6k+4) in FIG. 11). That is, if only the R-pixels 110-R are noted, theoutput unit 130 outputs the image signals of the R-pixels 110-R notoutput in either the first period P1 or second period P2, at a rateequivalent to one in every three rows. Regarding the B-pixels 110-B, theoutput unit 130 outputs every sixth row beginning with the fifth rowafter the first row in which B-pixels 110-B exist (output image signalB(6k+5) in FIG. 11). That is, if only the B-pixels 110-B are noted, theoutput unit 130 outputs the image signals of the B-pixels 110-B notoutput in either the first period P1 or second period P2, at a rateequivalent to one in every three rows.

Subsequently, by repeating the first period P1 to third period P3,respective image signals are output from the W-pixel group, G-pixelgroup, R-pixel group and B-pixel group, thereby performing motionimaging.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the output unit 130 outputs the imagesignals in such a way that the image signal output interval of theW-pixel group will be shorter than the image signal output intervals ofthe R-pixel group and B-pixel group. Furthermore, the output unit 130outputs the image signals in such a way that the image signal outputinterval of the W-pixel group will be shorter than the image signaloutput interval of the G-pixel group. Besides, the output unit 130outputs the image signals in such a way that the image signal outputinterval of the G-pixel group will be shorter than the image signaloutput intervals of the R-pixel group and B-pixel group. Specifically,the image signal output interval of the W-pixel group is ½ the imagesignal output interval of the G-pixel group and ⅓ the image signaloutput intervals of the R-pixel group and B-pixel group.

That is, the image signal output intervals of the W-pixel group, G-pixelgroup, R-pixel group and B-pixel group increase in this order. In thisway, by reducing the image signal output intervals of the W-pixel group,G-pixel group, R-pixel group and B-pixel group in descending order ofcontribution to luminance, the resolution of color motion imaging in thetime direction can be improved.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the ratioamong the W-pixel group, G-pixel group, R-pixel group and B-pixel groupis 1:1:1:1, but may be changed according to use. Also, according to thepresent embodiment, scanning is done by spatially skipping, in avertical scanning period, part of the G-pixel group, R-pixel group andB-pixel group longer in the image signal output interval than theW-pixel group, but the present invention is not limited to this aspect.For example, as long as the W-pixel group, which contributes greatly toluminance, is reduced in the image signal output interval, the presentinvention may adopt an aspect in which the first period P1 involvesreading all the pixels of the R-pixel group or B-pixel group withoutspatial skipping and the second period P2 involves reading no pixel ofthe R-pixel group or B-pixel group.

Also, in the present embodiment, for example, the charge accumulationperiod of each pixel 110 may be set according to the length of the imagesignal output interval. In this case, for example, the chargeaccumulation period of the W-pixel group may be set shorter than thecharge accumulation periods of the R-pixel group and B-pixel group.

Also, in the example described in the present embodiment, the W-pixelgroup has a shorter image signal output interval than the G-pixel group,which in turn has a shorter image signal output interval than theR-pixel group and B-pixel group. As another example, the G-pixel group,R-pixel group and B-pixel group may have equal image signal outputintervals and the image signal output interval of the W-pixel group maybe set shorter than the image signal output interval of the G-pixelgroup (i.e., the image signal output interval of the R-pixel group andimage signal output interval of the B-pixel group). Similarly, regardingthe charge accumulation period, the G-pixel group, R-pixel group andB-pixel group may have equal charge accumulation periods and the chargeaccumulation period of the W-pixel group may be set shorter than thecharge accumulation period of the G-pixel group (i.e., the chargeaccumulation period of the R-pixel group and charge accumulation periodof the B-pixel group).

FIGS. 12A to 12C are diagrams showing an example of image signals ofpixels 110 in six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in a first period P1to a third period P3 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, FIG. 12A shows an example of the image signals of thepixels 110 in the six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in the firstperiod P1, FIG. 12B shows an example of the image signals of the pixels110 in the six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in the second periodP2, and FIG. 12C shows an example of the image signals of the pixels 110in the six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in the third period P3.

In FIGS. 12A to 12C, of the G-pixels 110-G, R-pixels 110-R and B-pixels110-B, the gray-shaded pixels are those which output dummy signals. Inthis way, according to the present embodiment, some of G-pixels 110-G,R-pixels 110-R and B-pixels 110-B in a same period lack image signals.To deal with this, the lacking image signals may be interpolated usingthe image signals of the G-pixels 110-G, R-pixels 110-R and B-pixels110-B of the preceding and succeeding rows in the same period.Alternatively, the lacking image signals may be interpolated using theimage signals of the G-pixels 110-G, R-pixels 110-R and B-pixels 110-Bof the same row in the preceding period. Alternatively, interpolationmay be performed using both the image signals of the same row in thepreceding period and the image signals of the preceding and succeedingrows in the same period described above.

Generalization of Fourth Embodiment

In the fourth embodiment described above, “the image signals of theG-pixels are output at a rate equivalent to one in every two rows andthe image signals of the R-pixels and B-pixels are output at a rateequivalent to one in every three rows.” In the present invention, thiscan be applied in a generalized form as follows. That is, according tothe present invention, “the image signals of the G-pixels are output ata rate of i in every j rows where i and j are positive integers suchthat i/j<1 while image signals of the R-pixels and B-pixels are outputat a rate of k in every 1 rows where k and 1 are positive integers suchthat k/1<i/j.” That is, it is obvious that the configuration in whichimage signals are output so as to satisfy these conditions can achievethe operation and effects of keeping the resolution of color motionimaging at a high level in the time direction and thereby improving thequality of moving images.

Variations of Fourth Embodiment

Note that the fourth embodiment has been described by citing an aspectof the solid-state imaging apparatus 100 containing, as a pixel unit, atleast a W-pixel group, R-pixel group, G-pixel group and B-pixel groupwith W, R, G and B color filters disposed thereon, respectively.However, the fourth embodiment is not limited to this aspect. Forexample, the fourth embodiment can also include an aspect in which thesolid-state imaging apparatus 100 contains, as a pixel unit, at least anIR pixel group adapted to detect infrared light as well as a cyan pixelgroup, yellow pixel group, green pixel group and magenta pixel groupwith cyan (C), yellow (Y), green (G) and magenta (Mg) color filtersdisposed thereon, respectively. In this aspect, the output unit 130produces outputs, for example, by setting the image signal outputinterval of the IR pixel group shorter than the image signal outputintervals of the cyan pixel group, green pixel group and yellow pixelgroup. Note that this aspect is applicable to the present invention aslong as the image signal output interval of the IR pixel group isshorter than the image signal output interval of at least one of thecyan pixel group, green pixel group and yellow pixel group.

Note that the pixel unit may be configured to include R-pixels,G-pixels, B-pixels, and IR pixels. The R-pixels, G-pixels, and B-pixelsinclude an IR cutoff filter adapted to cut infrared light. In this case,the IR pixels may become more sensitive to light than are the R-pixels,G-pixels, and B-pixels. Thus, the image signal output interval of theIR-pixel is set shorter than any of the R-pixels, G-pixels, andB-pixels. On the other hand, the present embodiment may be configuredsuch that the R-pixels, G-pixels, and B-pixels will not be provided withan IR cutoff filter. In this case, infrared light will enter theR-pixels, G-pixels, and B-pixels as well. This makes the IR-pixels lesssensitive to light than are the R-pixels, G-pixels, and B-pixels. Thus,the image signal output interval of the IR pixels is set longer than anyof the R-pixels, G-pixels, and B-pixels. In terms of the chargeaccumulation period, the different types of pixels can be ranked in thesame order as in terms of the image signal output interval.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

A schematic configuration of a pixel unit of a solid-state imagingapparatus according to the fifth embodiment is similar to the schematicconfiguration of the pixel unit of the solid-state imaging apparatusaccording to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 10. That is, in theschematic configuration of the pixel unit of the solid-state imagingapparatus according to the fifth embodiment, plural 2-row by 2-columnmatrices each made up of a W-pixel 110-W, G-pixel 110-G, R-pixel 110-R,and B-pixel 110-B are arranged as shown in FIG. 10. Also, a circuitconfiguration of the solid-state imaging apparatus according to thefifth embodiment is similar to the circuit configuration of thesolid-state imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodimentshown in FIG. 2 except for the pixel unit.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an exemplary image signal output sequenceof the solid-state imaging apparatus 100 according to the fifthembodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, the slant linesindicate read start times of rows of pixels 110, and higher-numberedrows are read as the slant lines go downward.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, in a first period P1, the output unit130 outputs the image signals of all the W-pixels 110-W in sequence fromevery row in which W-pixels 110-W exist (output image signal W(all) inFIG. 13). Regarding the G-pixels 110-G, the output unit 130 also outputsthe image signals of all the G-pixels 110-G in sequence from every rowin which G-pixels 110-G exist (output image signal G(all) in FIG. 13).Also, regarding the R-pixels 110-R, the output unit 130 also outputs theimage signals of all the R-pixels 110-R in sequence from every row inwhich R-pixels 110-R exist (output image signal R(all) in FIG. 13).Also, regarding the B-pixels 110-B, the output unit 130 also outputs theimage signals of all the B-pixels 110-B in sequence from every row inwhich B-pixels 110-B exist (output image signal B(all) in FIG. 13).

Also, in the example shown in FIG. 13, in a second period P2 differentfrom the first period P1, the output unit 130 outputs the image signalsof all the W-pixels 110-W in sequence from every row in which W-pixels110-W exist (output image signal W(all) in FIG. 13). Regarding theG-pixels 110-G, the output unit 130 also outputs the image signals ofall the G-pixels 110-G in sequence from every row in which G-pixels110-G exist (output image signal G(all) in FIG. 13). Regarding theR-pixels 110-R and B-pixels 110-B, the output unit 130 does not outputimage signals.

Subsequently, by repeating the first period P1 and second period P2, theimage signal output intervals of the W-pixel group and G-pixel group canbe set shorter than the image signal output intervals of the R-pixelgroup and B-pixel group.

FIGS. 14A to 14C are diagrams showing an example of image signals ofpixels 110 in six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in a first period P1and second period P2 in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.Specifically, FIGS. 14A and 14C show an example of the image signals ofthe pixels 110 in the six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in the firstperiod P1 and FIG. 14B shows an example of the image signals of thepixels 110 in the six rows beginning with the 6k-th row in the secondperiod P2.

In FIG. 14B, of the R-pixels 110-R and B-pixels 110-B, the gray-shadedpixels are those which output dummy signals. In this way, according tothe present embodiment, during image signal output in the second periodP2, the R-pixels 110-R and B-pixels 110-B lack image signals completely.To deal with this, an image interpolation unit in a succeeding stage mayuse the image signals of the R-pixels 110-R and B-pixels 110-B in aprevious frame as they are. Alternatively, a frame memory capable ofholding image signals for a few frame periods may be provided to use,for interpolation, the image signals of preceding and succeedingR-pixels 110-R and B-pixels 110-B as well as the image signals of theG-pixels 110-G and W-pixels 110-W in the same frame.

Variation of Fifth Embodiment

Note that the fifth embodiment has been described by citing an aspect ofthe solid-state imaging apparatus 100 containing, as a pixel unit, atleast a W-pixel group, R-pixel group, G-pixel group and B-pixel groupwith W, R, G and B color filters disposed thereon, respectively.However, the fifth embodiment is not limited to this aspect. Forexample, the fifth embodiment can also include an aspect in which thesolid-state imaging apparatus 100 contains, as a pixel unit, at least anIR pixel group adapted to detect infrared light as well as a cyan pixelgroup, yellow pixel group, green pixel group and magenta pixel groupwith cyan (C), yellow (Y), green (G) and magenta (Mg) color filtersdisposed thereon, respectively. In this aspect, the output unit 130produces outputs, for example, by setting the image signal outputinterval of the IR pixel group shorter than the image signal outputintervals of the cyan pixel group, green pixel group and yellow pixelgroup. Note that this aspect is applicable to the present invention aslong as the image signal output interval of the IR pixel group isshorter than the image signal output interval of at least one of thecyan pixel group, green pixel group and yellow pixel group.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an exemplary schematic configuration of animaging system 200 according to a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention including the solid-state imaging apparatus 100 according toany of the embodiments described above.

As shown in FIG. 15, the imaging system 200 includes an optical system210, the solid-state imaging apparatus 100, an AD conversion unit 220,an image interpolation unit 230, a signal processing unit 240, arecording & communicating unit 250, a timing control unit 260, a systemcontroller 270 and a play & display unit 280.

A concept of the imaging system 200 shown in FIG. 15 includes anapparatus, such as a camera, primarily intended for photography. Also,the concept of the imaging system 200 shown in FIG. 15 includes not onlythe apparatus primarily intended for photography, but also an apparatus(e.g., a personal computer and portable terminal) secondarily equippedwith a photography function. Also, the imaging system 200 shown in FIG.15 includes the solid-state imaging apparatus 100 according to any ofthe first to fifth embodiments described above, and the imageinterpolation unit 230 adapted to interpolate any lacking part (missingpart) in an image signal output from the solid-state imaging apparatus100. Also, the imaging system 200 shown in FIG. 15 includes the ADconversion unit 220 adapted to convert the image signal output by thesolid-state imaging apparatus 100 from analog to digital and a processoradapted to process digital data output from the AD conversion unit 220as well as the play & display unit 280 adapted to display images basedon the image signal.

In FIG. 15, the optical system 210 forms an image of a subject in thepixel unit of the solid-state imaging apparatus 100. The solid-stateimaging apparatus 100 performs an imaging operation according to asignal from the timing control unit 260 and outputs an image signal. Theimage signal output by the solid-state imaging apparatus 100 is suppliedto the AD conversion unit 220.

The AD conversion unit 220 converts the analog image signal output bythe solid-state imaging apparatus 100 into a digital image signal. Theimage interpolation unit 230 interpolates the dummy signals or missingpart of the image signal output from the solid-state imaging apparatus100 and supplies the resulting signal to the signal processing unit 240.The signal processing unit 240 processes the image signal output by theimage interpolation unit 230 into a form suitable for recording anddisplay. The recording & communicating unit 250 sends the image signalto the play & display unit 280, causing the play & display unit 280 toreproduce and display an image based on the image signal. The recording& communicating unit 250 and signal processing unit 240 record the imageon a recording medium (not shown).

The timing control unit 260 controls drive timings of the solid-stateimaging apparatus 100, image interpolation unit 230 and signalprocessing unit 240 under the control of the system controller 270. Thesystem controller 270, which is designed to exert overall control overoperation of the imaging system 200, controls, for example, operation ofthe optical system 210, timing control unit 260, recording &communicating unit 250 and play & display unit 280. Also, the systemcontroller 270 includes, for example, a recording apparatus (not shown),on which programs and the like needed to control the operation of theimaging system 200 have been recorded.

Other Embodiments

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by acomputer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

It should be noted that the embodiments described above merelyillustrate concrete examples of carrying out the present invention andare not to be interpreted as limiting the true scope of the invention.That is, the present invention can be implemented in various formswithout departing from the technical idea or major features of theinvention.

The present invention can keep the resolution of color motion imaging ata high level in the time direction and thereby improve the quality ofmoving images.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2014-213122, filed Oct. 17, 2014, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A driving method of a solid-state imagingapparatus comprising: a pixel unit having a first pixel having asensitivity such that the sensitivity of the first pixel in a firstwavelength band is higher than the sensitivities of the first pixel insecond and third wavelength bands, a second pixel having a sensitivitysuch that the sensitivity of the second pixel in the second wavelengthband is higher than the sensitivities of the second pixel in first andthird wavelength bands, and a third pixel having a sensitivity such thatthe sensitivity of the third pixel in the third wavelength band ishigher than the sensitivities of the third pixel in first and secondwavelength bands, wherein each of the first, second and third pixelsoutputs an image signal based on light, in a image generated by imagesignals output from the first, second and third pixels, a contributionof luminance of the first pixel is higher than a contribution toluminance of the second pixel and a contribution to luminance of thethird pixel, and wherein an image signal output interval of the firstpixel is shorter than image signal output intervals of the second andthird pixels.
 2. The driving method according to claim 1, wherein acharge accumulation period of the first pixel is shorter than chargeaccumulation periods of the second and third pixels.
 3. The drivingmethod according to claim 1, wherein the pixel unit further comprises: afirst pixel group including a plurality of the first pixels, a secondpixel group including a plurality of the second pixels, and a thirdpixel group including a plurality of the third pixels, wherein, during afirst period, pixels in the first pixel group output image signals,while a part of the pixels in the second pixel group and a part of thepixels in the third pixel group output image signals, during a secondperiod different from the first period, the pixels in the first pixelgroup outputting the image signals in the first period also output thesignals, during the second period, the other pixels in the second pixelgroup different from the part of the pixels in the second pixel groupoutputting the image signals in the first period output the imagesignals, and during the second period, the other pixels in the thirdpixel group different from the part of the pixels in the third pixelgroup outputting the image signals in the first period output the imagesignals.
 4. The driving method according to claim 3, wherein positiveintegers m and n meet a relation: m/n<1, m/n of the pixels in the secondpixel group output the image signals during the first period, (1−m/n) ofthe pixels in the second pixel group output the image signals during thesecond period, m/n of the pixels in the third pixel group output theimage signals during the first period, and (1−m/n) of the pixels in thethird pixel group output the image signals during the second period. 5.The driving method according to claim 1, wherein the first pixel, thesecond pixel and the third pixel are controlled independently to eachother, regarding a charge accumulation period.
 6. The driving methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the first pixel has a highest sensitivityto green light among red, green and blue lights, the second pixel has ahighest sensitivity to the red light among the red, green and bluelights, and the third pixel has a highest sensitivity to the blue lightamong the red, green and blue lights.
 7. The driving method according toclaim 1, wherein the pixel unit has further has a fourth pixel having asensitivity to a light higher than sensitivities to the light of thefirst, second and the third pixels, and an image signal output intervalof the fourth pixel is shorter than image signal output intervals of thesecond and the third pixels.
 8. The driving method according to claim 7,wherein a charge accumulation period of the fourth pixel is shorter thancharge accumulation periods of the second and the third pixels.
 9. Thedriving method according to claim 7, wherein the image signal outputinterval of the fourth pixel is shorter than image signal outputinterval of the first pixel.
 10. The driving method according to claim1, wherein the pixel unit has further has a fourth pixel having asensitivity to a light rather than sensitivities to the light of thefirst, second and the third pixels, the pixel unit further comprises: afirst pixel group including a plurality of the first pixels, a secondpixel group including a plurality of the second pixels, a third pixelgroup including a plurality of the third pixels, and a fourth pixelgroup including a plurality of the fourth pixels wherein, during a thirdperiod, pixels in the fourth pixel group output image signals, while apart of the pixels in the first pixel group, a part of the pixels in thesecond pixel group and a part of the pixels in the third pixel groupoutput image signals, during a fourth period different from the thirdperiod, the pixels in the fourth pixel group outputting the imagesignals in the third period also output the signals, during the fourthperiod, the other pixels in the first pixel group different from thepart of the pixels in the first pixel group outputting the image signalsin the third period output the image signals, and during the fourthperiod, the other pixels in the second pixel group different from thepart of the pixels in the second pixel group outputting the imagesignals in the third period output the image signals, and during thefourth period, the other pixels in the third pixel group different fromthe part of the pixels in the third pixel group outputting the imagesignals in the third period output the image signals.
 11. The drivingmethod according to claim 1, wherein the pixel unit has further has anIR pixel detecting an infrared light among the light, and the imagesignal output intervals of the second and the third pixels are shorterthan an image signal output interval of the IR pixel.
 12. The drivingmethod according to claim 1, wherein the pixel unit has further has anIR pixel detecting an infrared light among the light, and an imagesignal output interval of the IR pixel is shorter than the image signaloutput interval of the first pixel.
 13. A driving method of asolid-state imaging apparatus comprising: a pixel unit having a firstpixel having a sensitivity such that the sensitivity of the first pixelin a first wavelength band is higher than the sensitivities of the firstpixel in second and third wavelength bands, a second pixel having asensitivity such that the sensitivity of the second pixel in the secondwavelength band is higher than the sensitivities of the second pixel infirst and third wavelength bands, a third pixel having a sensitivitysuch that the sensitivity of the third pixel in the third wavelengthband is higher than the sensitivities of the third pixel in first andsecond wavelength bands, and a fourth pixel having a sensitivity to alight higher than sensitivities to the light of the first, second andthe third pixels, and an image signal output interval of the fourthpixel is shorter than image signal output intervals of the first, secondand the third pixels.
 14. A solid-state imaging apparatus comprising: apixel unit having a first pixel having a sensitivity such that thesensitivity of the first pixel in a first wavelength band is higher thanthe sensitivities of the first pixel in second and third wavelengthbands, a second pixel having a sensitivity such that the sensitivity ofthe second pixel in the second wavelength band is higher than thesensitivities of the second pixel in first and third wavelength bands,and a third pixel having a sensitivity such that the sensitivity of thethird pixel in the third wavelength band is higher than thesensitivities of the third pixel in first and second wavelength bands;and a control unit configured to control the pixel unit to output animage signal such that an image signal output interval of the firstpixel is shorter than image signal output intervals of the second andthird pixels, wherein each of the first, second and third pixels outputsan image signal based on light, in a image generated by image signalsoutput from the first, second and third pixels, a contribution ofluminance of the first pixel is higher than a contribution to luminanceof the second pixel and a contribution to luminance of the third pixel.15. An imaging system comprising: a solid-state imaging apparatus; and asignal processing apparatus configured to process a signal outputtedfrom the solid-state imaging apparatus, wherein the solid-state imagingapparatus comprises: a pixel unit having a first pixel having asensitivity such that the sensitivity of the first pixel in a firstwavelength band is higher than the sensitivities of the first pixel insecond and third wavelength bands, a second pixel having a sensitivitysuch that the sensitivity of the second pixel in the second wavelengthband is higher than the sensitivities of the second pixel in first andthird wavelength bands, and a third pixel having a sensitivity such thatthe sensitivity of the third pixel in the third wavelength band ishigher than the sensitivities of the third pixel in first and secondwavelength bands; and a control unit configured to control the pixelunit to output an image signal such that an image signal output intervalof the first pixel is shorter than image signal output intervals of thesecond and third pixels, wherein each of the first, second and thirdpixels outputs an image signal based on light, in a image generated byimage signals output from the first, second and third pixels, acontribution of luminance of the first pixel is higher than acontribution to luminance of the second pixel and a contribution toluminance of the third pixel.
 16. The imaging system according to claim15, further comprising an image interpolation unit configured tointerpolate a deficiency of the image signal outputted from thesolid-state imaging apparatus.